About The Song
“The Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack” is a song co-written by George “Shadow” Morton, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, the song became a number one pop hit in 1964 for the American girl group The Shangri-Las. The single is one of The Shangri-Las’ most famous songs, achieving significant success on the Billboard charts in 1964.
“Leader of the Pack” is a notable example of a “teenage tragedy song.” It narrates the story of a girl named Betty, who falls in love with the leader of a motorcycle gang, Jimmy, only to face heartbreak. “Leader of the Pack” is also the title track of The Shangri-Las’ debut album released in 1965, which aimed to capitalize on the success of their breakthrough hits.
Video
Lyrics
Is she really going out with him?
Well, there she is. Let’s ask her.
Betty, is that Jimmy’s ring you’re wearing?
Mm-hmm
Gee, it must be great riding with him
Is he picking you up after school today?
Uh-uh
By the way, where’d you meet him?
I met him at the candy store
He turned around and smiled at me
You get the picture? (yes, we see)
That’s when I fell for the leader of the pack
My folks were always putting him down (down, down)
They said he came from the wrong side of town
(Whatcha mean when ya say that he came from the wrong side of town?)
They told me he was bad
But I knew he was sad
That’s why I fell for the leader of the pack
One day my dad said, “Find someone new”
I had to tell my Jimmy we’re through
(Whatcha mean when ya say that ya better go find somebody new?)
He stood there and asked me why
But all I could do was cry
I’m sorry I hurt you the leader of the pack
He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye
The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night
I begged him to go slow
But whether he heard, I’ll never know
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!
I felt so helpless, what could I do?
Remembering all the things we’d been through
In school they all stop and stare
I can’t hide the tears, but I don’t care
I’ll never forget him, the leader of the pack
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone